Tehran's fire department spokesman Jalal Maleki told Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN) an estimated 20 to 30 firefighters were on the third floor of the high-rise Plasco building when it collapsed.

Police had previously blocked off streets around the 17-story structure, which was among the first high-rises built in the Iranian capital. About 200 firefighters were at the scene when the high-rise building collapsed.